The media reported on Slovakia's new blocking of the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia

Slovakia has again blocked the 18th package of European Union (EU) sanctions against Russia. This was reported on July 9 by the TASR news agency.

"Slovakia, at the level of permanent representatives to the EU, has again blocked the 18th package of sanctions against Russia," the agency said in a statement.

It is specified that the decision was made at a meeting of permanent representatives of the EU countries in Brussels. As the agency pointed out, the sanctions package was re-introduced and blocked again. The next meeting of the Permanent Representatives is scheduled for July 11.

It is noted that the Slovak government, headed by Prime Minister Robert Fico, demands guarantees from the European Commission (EP) that there will be no damage to the Hungarian economy if the European Union refuses to supply Russian gas from January 1, 2028. Otherwise, it will not support the new package of sanctions.

In addition, Slovakia intends to receive guarantees from the EP that national companies will not be held accountable for violations of contracts with Russian companies. Bratislava also wants to receive compensation for lost transit fees and will try to get the new package of EU sanctions rejected.

Right of veto: Slovakia intends to exchange the 18th package of sanctions for gas guarantees

The republic will appeal to the European Parliament to preserve fuel imports from the Russian Federation, and in the meantime, a delegation from Brussels is going to Bratislava for negotiations.

The Politico newspaper reported on June 30 that the adoption of the 18th package of sanctions against Russia in the European Union was postponed due to disagreements with a number of countries. In turn, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stressed on June 26 that restrictions against the Russian Federation do not work, and the sanctions policy makes sense precisely when it really has an impact.